on second thought

USAGE SUMMARY

"on second thought" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used in cases when someone is reconsidering a decision, thought, or opinion. For example: "On second thought, I think I'll go with the red shirt instead of the blue one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On second thought, scrap that one.

The New York Times

On second thought, scratch that last one.

The New Yorker

On second thought he probably thinks one in 1000.

Huffington Post

On second thought, maybe not his best one.

Los Angeles Times

On second thought.

The Economist

On second thought, never mind.

The New York Times

On second thought, probably not.

The New York Times

On second thought, maybe not.

The New York Times

On second thought, don't applaud.

The New York Times

On second thought, no.

The New York Times

On second thought, go for it!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on second thought" to smoothly introduce a revised opinion or decision, especially when contradicting a previous statement. This signals a thoughtful reconsideration rather than an impulsive change.

Common error

Avoid using "on second thought" repeatedly in close succession. Overuse can make your writing seem indecisive. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "after reconsideration" or simply stating the revised opinion directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on second thought" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence. It indicates a change of mind or a revised opinion following further consideration. As Ludwig examples show, it often precedes the statement of the new thought or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on second thought" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a change of mind or a revised opinion. Ludwig AI validates its use in written English. It functions as an adverbial phrase, typically appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "after reconsideration" in professional settings. To avoid repetition, vary your phrasing. Using "on second thought" effectively signals thoughtful reconsideration, enhancing clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on further consideration

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

after reconsideration

Focuses on the act of rethinking an idea.

upon reflection

Emphasizes the reflective process leading to a revised opinion.

having reconsidered

Highlights the completion of the reconsideration.

in retrospect

Indicates a change of mind based on past events or experiences.

now that I think about it

A more conversational way to express a change of mind.

thinking it over

Emphasizes the process of careful thought.

after giving it some thought

Highlights the time and effort spent reconsidering.

I've changed my mind

A direct statement of altered decision.

come to think of it

A more idiomatic way of indicating a change in perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "on second thought" in a sentence?

You can use "on second thought" to introduce a change in your decision or opinion. For example, "I was going to order the pizza, but "on second thought", I'll have the pasta."

What are some alternatives to "on second thought"?

Some alternatives to "on second thought" include "after reconsideration", "upon reflection", or "on further consideration".

Is "on second thought" formal or informal?

"On second thought" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist for professional settings.

When is it appropriate to use "on second thought"?

It's appropriate to use "on second thought" when you want to indicate that you have reconsidered something and are presenting a new perspective or decision. For example, "I thought I wanted to go to the party, but "on second thought", I'm too tired."